There’s a controversial new article about the “best” Southern foods and drinks, published in Southern Living.
I hesitate to share this because of the obvious sacrilege. The heresy. The hypocrisy.
You’ll see it right away, if you’re from the South.
Check out the story here: The Southern Food Hall Of Fame: 50 Iconic Foods And Drinks Chosen By Readers.
Friends, countrymen, allies, awake!
There’s a serious problem here.
The #2 item on this list is Old Bay Seasoning.
It’s from freaking Baltimore!
It is NOT “Southern”.
That’s not just my humble opinion, my friends. Their own people think so!
Check out this story from CBS News: Is Maryland A Southern State? Not According To Most Marylanders.
Maryland remained in the Union in the Civil War. Good on you, Maryland; that was the right call. But according to my admittedly arbitrary rules, you don’t then get to claim Southern status just because your seasoning is tasty. You’ve gotta make the mistakes of the place to call it home, ol’ buddy, ol’ Baltimore pal. You can’t just pick and choose when you’re Southern and when you’re not.
I’ll admit this: Old Bay is nice. It may lack a little spice and be overly salty, but it’s a decent generic seafood seasoning.
HOWEVER, if you want a real, homemade, tried-and-true seafood seasoning, developed, tasted and tested on the Texas Gulf Coast, I challenge you to try our Zippy Cajun.
You can make it at home.
It’s easy and the recipe is here.
With my deepest apologies for being pugnacious, Zippy Cajun can beat up Old Bay with one oregano tied behind its back.
It’s that good.
So go ahead, read the article from Southern Living and shiver with delight when your fave products are mentioned (I know you, Blue Bell Ice cream lovers), but just know that the #2 choice, Old Bay seasoning, is an impostor. It is NOT Southern.
Ready to be challenged on this, I am.
Bring it!
© 2026, Glover Gardens
For those of us who actually live here, Baltimore is the south.
Good to know that perspective!
Well, I have been to Baltimore and it never occurred to me to think I was in the South!
As someone from another very segmented place, that is really interesting and intriguing input. I still hope to connect in person one day, Anabel!
Our new prime minister has opened up an office in “the north” ie Manchester. Down south if you live in Scotland so clearly we don’t count!
Interesting choices! For what it’s worth, I don’t think Baltimore qualifies as the south either.
You “get” me! Is there anything in the list you think doesn’t belong, or something you think DOES belong that is missing?
A very informative post
Thanks for sharing
You’re welcome! You have so many fab posts that I can’t keep up.
I understand that
Thanks so much